Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan insists they can handle failing to qualify for the Champions League.

However, he admits their business model is built on consistently playing in the competition.

“That (Champions League qualification) is always our goal at the beginning of the season," he told SportBILD. “Of course, qualification is important because of the turnover.

“But we manage the club in such a way that we make sure that we are as sustainable as possible. You can't automatically count on Champions League qualification.

“Jurgen (Klopp, manager) wants to leave the club in a better shape than what he found it. He succeeded in Mainz, Dortmund and Liverpool.

“Sales have doubled since he arrived. The stadium will be significantly bigger. We have a new training ground. The club has grown significantly in the past six or seven years. We want to continue that because we think there is still a lot of potential."